Chess Column for June 1, 2002
By Cecil Rosner
Team Manitoba scored its best-ever result in the recent Canadian Chess Challenge as the squad of Grade 1-12 champions placed third in the country, behind Ontario and Quebec.
It was an outstanding performance for the young Manitoba players who traveled to St. John's for the tournament, now in its 14th year. Two members of the team came first in their grades, allowing Song Li of Montrose School to be crowned top Grade 1 player in Canada, and Jeff Hou of Dalhousie School to win similar bragging rights for Grade 5.
Trevor Vincent of Grosvenor School almost joined their ranks, but narrowly lost a playoff after tying for first in the Grade 6 section. Yuchen Mu came third in the Grade 8 category, while Devarshi Shome (grade 7) and Adrian Lafreniere (Grade 12) also tied for third, but lost in their respective playoffs. Other team members were Darion Toutant, Stephen Cooper, Ali Elkholy, Ravi Jayas, Devin Morris and Preston Hogarth.
The other major youth championship this year is scheduled for Montreal in July, and a number of strong Manitoba hopefuls earned the right to play.
In the Under-10 boys category, Graham Still, Jasper Taylor and Song Li qualified. The Under-12 boys saw Trevor Vincent, Jeff Hou and Brad Katona qualify, while Meaghan Crane, Alice Charles and Anna Magnusson were the top three in the girls' section. Yuchen Mu, Devarshi Shome and Daniel Carrie won the Under-14 boys, with the Under-16 boys title going to Colin Gray and the Under-16 girls to Jada Neuman.
Junior chess organizer Dwight Vincent says the results bode well for the future of chess in the province, as ever-stronger players move through the grades and into adulthood, developing more skills and inspiring their peers along the way.
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Veteran local player and organizer Waldemar Schulz had a healthy payday as he placed first with five points in the Manitoba Open, winning the $250 first prize. Half a point behind was Samuel Lipnowski ($125), followed by Aron Kaptsan and Ken Graham ($37.50 each) at 4.
The enhanced prizefund also benefited class players. John Katona ($100), Michael Strub and Rory Curtis ($50 each) won the B class prizes, with Alex Hogeveen Rutter ($75) and Keith Gannon ($50) winning the Under-1600.
The next local event is the June Tuesday Night Tournament at the University of Winnipeg, with registration at 6:30 p.m., June 4.
You can get information on all upcoming local events through the Manitoba Chess Association's website ( or by calling 961-0007. And if you have questions or suggestions for this column, write me at .
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This week's problem: Mate in 2.
Solution to last problem: 1.Qf4.